Wildlife and Nature Expedition

Trekking through one of the largest remaining blocks of primary tropical rainforest jungle in the cooler highlands of Borneo, diving or snorkelling in pristine coral reef seas, and explore and understand the tropical rainforest on our ecology field trip, run by a British University research facility in Borneo.

You will do all of these truly exciting activities on our 13-day Adventure Learning Expedition, which start on a Sunday and finish on a Friday making it easier for you to plan your escape!

Phase 1. The Ecology Field Trip

The first part of the expedition is similar to a 3 - day university field trip at the Danau Girang Field Centre. Here, the amiable lead scientist and manager of the centre, Dr Benoit Goossens will orchestrate the exciting teaching and learning activities including; interpretive boat trips, interpretive walks, lectures and seminars (when visiting scientists are available). During the field trip participants will learn about the general ecology of the tropical rainforest; exploring the mutual dependency between the animals and plants of the Bornean rainforest, We will also be introduced to the conservation research that is going on in and around the Wildlife Sanctuary, and how the growing bank of knowledge in the field of ecology is contributing to conservation efforts in Borneo.

Phase 2. The Multiday Trek in the Cooler Climate of the Highlands of Borneo

From Sabah we will be heading to the highlands of Borneo, for some of the most remote trekking on this huge and fascinating island. There are a number of possible destinations, with one of the best being in the Kelabit Highlands of Sarawak. This is a 4-day trek in predominantly primary rainforest, situated in northern half of the Pulong Tau National Park and beyond, through forest earmarked to be included in possible plans for the extension of the park, adjacent to Kayan-Mentarang National Park in neighbouring North Kalimantan. The whole area is already part of the WWF "Heart of Borneo" project.

Phase 3. Snorkelling (or Diving) in Warm Coral Reef Seas
Relax a little. . . the adventure finishes with snorkelling (or diving if pre-arranged) in some of the most pristine coral reefs in Southeast Asia. If you've never been snorkelling or diving in the tropics the likelihood is you'll always remember this day as the first day you opened your eyes to a whole new wierd and wonderful world!

Price

From: GBP1350 per person (13 Days)

Price Includes

• All snorkelling costs
• All trekking costs
• All Permits
• Sleeping system equipment (hammock, basher, mosquito net)
• Airport transfers
• Most diving costs
• All Field Centre Costs
• Some food costs
• Water purification system, leech socks
• In-coutnry transport

Price Excludes

• International flights Some food costs requiring an extra £30 - £50 A small supplement may be required for diving depending on the area chosen

Departure Dates

Sunday 10th May - Friday 22nd May 2009 - £1350

Sunday 31st May - 12th June 2009 - £1350

Sunday 6th September - 18th September 2009 - £1350

Further dates from September 2009 have not yet been published.

::. Day 1 - Kota Kinabalu to Batu Puteh —
After meeting in Kota Kinabalu, and taking in some of the sights and smells we will set off to Batu Puteh, a five hour bus ride from Kota Kinabalu, travelling across the state of Sabah. Here we will stay in a local homestay, living with a local family for the day and night.

::. Day 2 - Batu Puteh to Danau Girang Field Centre —
From Batu Puteh we will travel by boat to the Field Centre, about a 45- minute boat ride down the Kinabatangan River. Here we begin our 3-day ecology field trip. We'll be doing plenty of interpretive short walks, interpretive boat rides and lectures to keep the body and mind fully stimulated. The accommodation at Danau Girang is well suited to groups, the hostel accommodation is clean, spacious and well equipped with bathrooms and showers.

::. Day 3 - Danau Girang Field Centre —
The second day of the ecology field trip led by the centre manager, Dr Benoit Goossens. By now we'll be completely immersed in all there is to learn about the fascinating ecology of the tropical rainforest. Today, after our morning session inside the Centre, we will be walking on the trails that lead off from the Danau Girang Field Centre, where there are wild mobile populations of Orang-utans, Macaques and Proboscis Monkeys. In the evening, after some relaxation, its back to the Centre for Benoit’s next teaching session.

::. Day 4 - Danau Girang Field Centre to Kota kinabalu —
The third and final day of the ecology field trip, whereby now the pieces of the jig-saw will be fitting together. In the afternoon we'll be leaving Danau Girang to head back to Kota kinabalu.

::. Day 5 - Kota Kinabalu to Bario —
A relaxing day consisting of two 45-minute flights, the second with wonderful views over the Kelabit Highlands of Borneo. Today we have the chance to explore this fascinating tiny town in the middle of Borneo, with a stunning jungle-clad mountainous backdrop. The culture of the friendly Kelabit people is extremely rich with a long history, and the well-educated Kelabit’s are always keen to talk to visitors. We will be spending the night in a popular homely lodge in a quite location off the main street of Bario.

::. Day 6 - Bario to Pa Lungan approx. 4-5 hours. —
The first day of the trekking phase, passing through small communities along a jungle track before reaching the small community of Pa Lungan, where we stay the night in a very well equipt and popular homestay. Pa Lungan produces some of the finest rice in Southeast Asia, a source of great pride to the locals. Perhaps take a short stroll around to see the nearby paddy fields.

::. Day 7 - Pa Lungan - First Jungle camp approx. 5-6 hours —
From Pa Lungan we will head north to northeast through Pulong Tau National Park towards the border with Kalimantan. This area has numerous wild populations of animals such as: leaf monkeys, Macaques, Gibbons, Barking Deer, Bearded Pigs, hornbills..to name but a few. There are some quite breath-taking views in this area which just can't be missed.

::. Day 8 - First jungle camp - second jungle camp approx. 5-7 hours —
There are numerous treks that can be done from this area north of Pa Lungan, this area is contiguous with the Kayan-Mentarang National Park, one of the largest and most important national parks in the world!

::. Day 9 - Second jungle camp to Bario 6 -8 hours —
The fourth and final day which is arguably one of our more challenging, but with a bed and a hearty meal at the end of it!

::. Day 10 - Bario to Kota Kinabalu —
Today we leave the highlands of Borneo and undoubtably some friends behind, and return to Kota Kinabalu so that we can head to the east coast of Sabah the next day. Today you’ll finally have the chance to explore deeper into the so called ‘rainforest city’, arguably Borneo’s most popular city for travellers. Kota Kinabalu, or KK as the locals call it, is a mix of ethnicities from all over Borneo and the Philippines. The cafes and restaurants are very reasonable in price so there’s no excuse to not try the local delicacies! Tonight we will be in very popular hostel close to the heart of the city, and often frequented by groups.

::. Day 11 - Kota Kinabalu to Semporna —
A day of relaxation. A short flight to Tawau and from there an hours ride to Semporna...easy! Semporna is one of the top dive spots in the world, with divers from all over mingling around this small fishing town and some of the surrounding islands - a unique place with an incredibly rich culture and environment. Explore the market and try the fresh seafood. In Semporna we will be staying in another well-equipped, clean and spacious hostel.

::. Day 12 - Snorkelling or diving (to be pre-arranged) —
By the beach, in some of the finest coral reef sea in Southeast Asia. This area is truly spectacular. If you've never snorkelled or dived in the tropics this could be the highlight of your year!

::. Day 13 - Semporna to Kota Kinabalu —
We leisurely return to Kota Kinabalu for our last night together as a group.